Spencer Scott Beal is a happy little boy with a smile and magnetic personality that can melt your heart. The 3-year-old has Achondroplasia, a bone-growth disorder, which causes the most common type of dwarfism.

Scott and Brianna Beal of Dover hope their son’s story will make people more aware of dwarfism.

An ultrasound prior to Spencer’s birth missed signs he had some problems, his mother explained.

“When he was born, the midwife mentioned the different look to the pediatrician. ... When Spencer was 5-months-old he had fallen off the growth charts,” Brianna Beal said. “We thought he was just short.

“I went online and there it was ... short stature, and curvature of the back — all described dwarfism. We then took him to Cleveland Clinic to get a diagnosis,” Beal continued. “We are blessed to have one of the few skeletal dysplasia clinics in the country close to home at Akron Children’s Hospital. Children are brought to the clinic from all over the country.”

ANSWERED PRAYERS

On Sept. 10, Spencer underwent surgery on both legs and feet and was fitted with orange casts.

“Orange is my favorite color,” he said with a grin. Spencer’s surgery, called tibial osteotomy, is a procedure in which a bone is cut to shorten, lengthen or change its alignment. Spencer also has complications from kyphosis curvature in the spine, which causes a round back. Chances are more surgery on his legs may be performed in the future.

The Sunday prior to Spencer’s surgery, the congregation at First Baptist Church, where the Beals attend, wore orange in honor of Spencer.

This week, their prayers were answered: Spencer had an appointment at Akron Children’s Hospital and, after just three weeks, the X-rays showed his legs are healed. Beal said the casts were expected to remain on his legs for six to eight weeks. She said Spencer’s incision is tender but expects him to be himself in about a week.

He has had seven surgeries in his young life. In addition to surgery on his legs, Spencer has had surgery on his eyes and ears.

GENERATING AWARENESS

The Beals said they know that, at some point, people will use negative words to describe Spencer. They hope to change that by generating awareness of dwarfism. October is National Dwarfism Awareness month.

“Dwarfism is rare and brand new to us. We are hoping to bring awareness to Ohio. ... We prefer to say Spencer has dwarfism rather than label him as a ‘dwarf’ or ‘LP,’ ” Beal said. “He has an average torso, but short arms and legs and is like every other child except his bones don’t grow the same.”

Spencer walked at 20 months and talked early. The Beals agree there is something in their son’s soul — he is a special rock star.

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“He can turn a grouchy person into happy with just a smile. It is a great privilege and blessing to have Spencer in our home,” Scott Beal said.

Scott Beal also has had his share of difficulties when a malignant tumor was discovered on his kidney. Part of his right kidney was removed and is now functioning well. The latest tests gave him a clean bill of health, and he is cancer free. He is manager of Long John Silver’s restaurant in New Philadelphia, and they are collecting funds for Akron Children’s Hospital.

“Brianna is an awesome mom and does an excellent job with (our) children,” he said. “The outpouring of the community has been overwhelming. People brought food, gifts, sent cards, and cleaned the house. People are wonderful.”